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Indian Army Day: History, significance and theme of Army Day celebration

The theme for the 77th Army Day in 2025 is ‘Samarth Bharat, Saksham Sena’ (Capable India, Empowered Army), which reflects the Indian Army’s commitment to national strength and defense capabilities.

Army personnel at the National War Memorial, ahead of the 77th Army Day, in New Delhi, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (PTI Photo/Manvender Vashist Lav)

Indian Army Day: The Indian Army day is an annual celebration marking the establishment of the independent Indian Army – signifying the transfer of military leadership from the British to India post-independence in 1949.

The day is observed every year on January 15 to honour the bravery and sacrifices of soldiers who dedicated their lives to protecting the country. It also aims to inspire feelings of patriotism in its citizens through a shared feeling of pride in India’s military capabilities and achievements.

This year, the parade for the Indian Army Day will take place in Pune which is home to numerous operational, strategic and training establishments of the Indian Armed Forces like the Southern Command Headquarters and the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA). This is the third occasion on which a city other than New Delhi will host the Army Day Parade and highlights the Union Government’s effort to strengthen Pune’s future as a major defence research and industrial hub of India.

Today, on Army Day, we salute the unwavering courage of the Indian Army, which stands as the sentinel of our nation’s security. We also remember the sacrifices made by the bravehearts who ensure the safety of crores of Indians every day. @adgpi pic.twitter.com/LZa36V0QZf

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 15, 2025

Indian Army Day Theme:

The theme for the 77th Army Day 2025 is ‘Samarth Bharat, Saksham Sena’ (Capable India, Empowered Army), reflecting the Indian Army’s commitment to national strength and defence capabilities. With a remarkable line-up of events, the parade will be led by the Women Agniveer Contingent from the Corps of Military Police which will be joined by the Army Service Corps Horse Contingent and complemented by the next generation of disciplined and dedicated leaders – the NCC Girls Contingent from Maharashtra, accompanied by various other contingents.

With the Indian Army’s latest advancements set for display in the parade including a robotic mule, a quadrupedal unmanned ground vehicle designed for reconnaissance and perimeter security, and the Swathi weapon-locating radar – capable of tracking hostile artillery and ensuring precise counter-fire, the parade is expected to become a notable event. The parade will also feature the Sarvatra bridging system, a rapid-deployment assault bridge developed indigenously, and the multi-barrel rocket system.

An eye-catcher in the parade will be the Ator N1200 all-terrain vehicle, an amphibious marvel designed to operate seamlessly across swamps, snow, and even water bodies. The mounted infantry mortar system, drone jammer systems, and mobile communication nodes will also feature in the parade.

Historical Significance of Indian Army Day

The day commemorates the foundational milestone for the Indian Army when Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army in 1949, succeeding General Sir Francis Butcher. Thus, the Indian Army Day is a celebration of India’s military sovereignty and celebrates the valour, dedication, and sacrifices of soldiers who have devoted their lives to safeguarding the nation.